Context:

MI6, the British intelligence service, has a rich and secretive history that contrasts sharply with its glamorous portrayal in popular media. Established in 1909 amid fears of German espionage, the agency operated in secrecy until its official acknowledgment in 1994. The tradition of the MI6 chief being referred to as 'C' and writing in green ink traces back to its first chief, Sir Mansfield Cumming. MI6's headquarters in London is highly fortified, reflecting its serious nature as opposed to the fictional gadgets of James Bond, though the agency is known for clever tactics such as replacing bomb instructions with cupcake recipes. In a significant milestone, Blaise Metreweli was appointed as the first female chief of MI6, reflecting the agency's evolution from its early days when women were limited to roles such as 'honey traps' or secretarial positions.

Dive Deeper:

• MI6 was founded in 1909 due to Britain's paranoia about German espionage, operating under complete secrecy until its existence was publicly acknowledged in 1994.

• The position of MI6 chief, referred to as 'C', originates from the first chief, Sir Mansfield Cumming, who signed his notes with the initial 'C' in green ink, a tradition that continues today.

• The agency's headquarters in London is heavily fortified with bombproof walls, triple-glazed windows, and sophisticated security features, including a rumored Faraday cage.

• MI6 has a history of innovative espionage tactics, such as the 2011 cyber operation where they replaced bomb-making instructions in a terrorist magazine with cupcake recipes.

• Historically, women in MI6 were often restricted to roles such as 'honey traps', but the recent appointment of Blaise Metreweli as the first female chief marks a significant shift towards gender equality in the agency.

• The agency's influence extended internationally as it helped train the United States' Office of Strategic Services during World War II, laying the foundation for the CIA.

• MI6's influence and operations have inspired numerous spy novelists who had firsthand experience in the world of espionage, including John le Carré and Graham Greene.